Aston Villa’s Micah Richards has been charged with improper conduct following an incident which occurred in the tunnel after the defeat to Swansea City on Saturday and could face as much as a three-game ban.

The Villa skipper appeared furious with Federico Fernandez, who he felt had head-butted him during an altercation in the 30th minute of the game, and the controversy continued after the game.

The FA referred a coming together, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video, to the three former elite referee panel.

And on this occasion, the panel did not find that either player had committed an act of violent conduct, therefore, no further action will be taken.

What could land Richards with a suspension is the incident in the tunnel. Depending on the severity, the FA could issue a one, two or three-game ban to the 27-year-old which would start with the clash against Tottenham on Monday.

An FA statement read: "Aston Villa’s Micah Richards has been charged with improper conduct following an incident which occurred in the tunnel at the end of the game against Swansea City on Saturday [24 October 2015].

"He has until 6pm on Thursday [29 October 2015] to reply."

If Richards is banned for three games he will also miss the encounters with former club Manchester City and Everton.

Villa’s defeat to Swansea left the claret and blues bottom of the Premier League and also cost Tim Sherwood his job.